If someone you know is threatening suicide, take immediate action. Get this person to the nearest hospital that deals with suicide.
(See page 123 for specific phone numbers.)
“Suicide is a permanent solution
to a temporary problem.”
Many normal teenagers sometimes have fleeting thoughts of hurting themselves, feelings of depression, and behavioral problems. But when there are threats of suicide or a preoccupation with suicidal thoughts, professional help is needed.
There is no foolproof way to predict and assess adolescent suicidal behavior. Most people who think about suicide are ambivalent. They really do not want to die; they just want the emotional pain to end. They are crying out for help.
Teenagers experience strong feelings of confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty and other fears while growing up. A parent’s divorce, the formation of a new family with stepparents and stepsiblings, moving to a new community or the breakup of a relationship can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts and feelings of depression. In some cases, suicide appears to be a “solution.”
There is help for someone who is suicidal. It is important that the disorder is recognized and diagnosed, so that appropriate treatment plans can be developed. When parents are uncertain whether their child has a serious problem, counseling and/or a psychiatric examination can be very helpful.
Suicide Facts
· Every 16.9 minutes another American commits suicide.
· The suicide rate for adolescents has increased more than 200% over the last decade. Teen suicide rate has more than tripled in the past 20 years.
· Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5 to 14 year olds.
· An average of 7 teen suicides per year have occurred in Contra Costa County since 1985.
· Gay and lesbian teens are at high risk for suicidal behavior.
· Males complete suicide 4 times more often than females, but females attempt suicide 3 times more often than males.
· Grief substantially heightens suicide risk. In the first year after the death of a spouse, the risk of suicide is 2.5 times greater than that of the general population.
· Drug and alcohol abusers are 6 times more likely to attempt suicide.
· Each year in the U. S., thousands of teenagers commit suicide.
Warning Signs of Suicide
· Depression—there is a link between depression and suicide
· Feelings of hopelessness and guilt
· Pervasive sadness, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, changes in eating and sleeping habits
· Verbal threats or talk about committing suicide. “I wish I were dead.” “I don’t want to be here anymore.” I’m a loser.” “All of my problems will end soon.”
· A previous suicide attempt (and/or a suicide attempt or death by a loved one)
· Changes in behavior—isolation, risk-taking behaviors
· Loss of interest in personal appearance
· Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, social activities, hobbies, friends
· Problems at school; change in school performance, falling asleep in class, emotional outbursts
· Trouble eating or sleeping
· High risk sexual behavior
· Crying spells
· Sexual identity crisis
· Frequent accidents or reckless behavior
· Sudden, unexpected happiness after prolonged depression
· Giving away prized possessions
· Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
· Preoccupation with death or dying
· Talking about death, obsession with music or art that features death or suicidal themes
· Verbal threats or cues such as “Nothing matters anymore”... “Things would be better if I weren’t around” ... “I just can’t take it anymore.”
· Recent major loss or crisis (death, divorce, break-up)
It is important to recognize that the crisis may be insignificant to other people, but very significant to the teenager.
Ways To Be Helpful To Someone
Who Is Threatening Suicide
· Be aware. Learn the warning signs.
· Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support. Let the person know you care.
· Be direct. Ask if he or she is thinking about suicide.
· Ask questions about suicide—does the person have a specific plan? Has he/she taken steps to carry out the plan?
· Be willing to listen. Allow & accept expressions of feelings.
· Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
· Don’t dare him or her to do it.
· Don’t leave a suicidal person alone.
· Don’t give advice by making decisions for someone else to tell him or her to behave differently.
· Don’t ask “why.” This encourages defensiveness.
· Offer empathy, not sympathy.
· Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
· Seek support. Don’t be sworn to secrecy.
· Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib assurance. It only proves you don’t understand.
· Take action. Remove means. Get help from professionals specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Be Aware of Resources
If you experience these feelings, get help! If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help! For assistance, contact:
· A community mental health agency;
· A private therapist or counselor;
· A school counselor or psychologist;
· A family physician;
· The Contra Costa Crisis Center, 1-800-833-2900
(The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) collected this information. The Contra Costa Crisis Center is the only agency in Contra Costa County certified by the AAS.
If you need help, call the Crisis Center, 1-800-833-2900.
Resources begin on page 136, Web Sources on 165
